Successful men look with suspicion upon chance, or luck. They achieve and perform, because they have the purpose to do so. They labour with head and hand. Difficulties serve only to draw forth the energies of their character, and often their greatest pleasure is in grappling with and overcoming them. Trust not to luck-have no faith in it. Know that a life of labour is a life of enjoyment-for then you yourself, but for the good of society at large. and perseverance can alone make you great. chair of honour. live, not only for Patient industry No idler fills the When you imagine that you are surrounded by difficulties, single them out and meet each with a bold spirit. Meet the difficulties manfully, for they are often our tutors-our monitors-placed in our paths for our discipline and the development of our characters. Push on-push wisely, and you will push through; for strength increases with each repeated effort. Be Trust not to accident or to chance. All delusion! prepared, and watch for opportunities. IIad Newton not been studying the laws of matter and motion long before the apple fell, it might have done so unobserved; but Newton's mind was PREPARED for the apple; and the discovery, which he had long before been elaborating, suddenly burst upon the philosopher's mind. So with Watt, with Galvani, Jenner, Franklin, Davy, and, indeed, all other philosophers. Their discoveries were invariably the result of patient labour-of arduous study-and of earnest investigation. They worked their way step by step, feeling for the right road, and always trying the firmness of the new ground before venturing upon it. Trust not to ACCIDENT, nor to LUCK. Systematic and regular work, with INTENSE PURPOSE, can alone lead you to the goal-to the end to which your design tends. Cultivate PATIENCE. Be not cast down because the progress seems slow-because, having planted the acorn, you do not see it grow up an oak at once. Persevere; do the work, and the result is sure to follow. Have Patience, and every difficulty will be changed into a triumph. Learn the wisdom of Self-culture. Use the powers with which God has endowed you. Find out the true path-stray not; but march on hopefully, truly, and zealously. Be not turned aside by temptation, nor put off the work from day to day by vain resolutions to do things that are never done; but Do with all your might; for the rewards of welldoing will come in due scason. Lastly, know the FACTS, which history, and biography, and a knowledge of the world establish—that PATIENCE is GENIUS, GREATNESS the fruit of indefatigable labour; and Success in Life the result of PURPOSE and PERSISTENT INDUSTRY! THE END. ABRIDGED OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 666 "MY NEW-YEAR'S GIFT' is admirably adapted to stimulate youth to exertion and awaken in them a laudable ambition." *** ""MY NEW-YEAR'S GIFT' is an invaluable practical Guide for youth." ***“The advice and illustrations and reflections given make it a multum in parvo of moral instruction of a marvellous nature." ***"The maxims for the Government of Life, with practical illustrations, cannot fail to be highly profitable to the young, and adults may benefit largely by their perusal." *** “ The advice and illustrations are equally apt and conclusive, and calculated to have a life-long influence upon our children." * * * “ We heartily commend this GIFT to PARENTS and PRECEPTORS, deeming it well adapted to influence to most excellent ends all who may study it." ***"It is seldom that so much good sense is seen in so small a compass." *** “The author does not lecture his pupils, but endeavours to entice them into the good path which shall lead them to honour and respect." ***"Kindness and good feeling run like veins of gold through every story." *** Every page is studded with useful and genial hints and encouraging advice to young men.' "***"MY NEWYEAR'S GIFT' must prove a boon to the rising generation, and is certainly ONE OF THE BEST GIFTS' THAT COULD BE PRESENTED BY A FATHER TO HIS SON, OR A TEACHER TO HIS PUPIL, OR A GUARDIAN TO HIS WARD, FOR "A NEW-YEAR'S GIFT." |